The excitement is palpable as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to kick off on Saturday, March 22, with a lavish opening ceremony at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The ceremony will usher in the 18th edition of this marquee tournament in cricket, featuring defending champions the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) going head-to-head against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Scheduled to begin at 6 PM IST, the opening ceremony promises to be a sparkling affair with performances by Bollywood diva Disha Patani, renowned singer Shreya Ghoshal, and global superstar Karan Aujla. Organizers have earmarked about 30 minutes for the curtain-raiser event, which is expected to feature a blend of music, dance, and vibrant celebrations highlighting the rich legacy of the IPL.
According to Snehasish Ganguly, President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), “We will have an opening ceremony... A written confirmation is not there, but definitely, it will be a good opening ceremony as usual.” While hinting at the high anticipation for the event, he emphasized the significance of Eden Gardens, stating, “Every player wants to play cricket in Eden Gardens. Even many people just want to see Eden Gardens.”
The glamorous event will set the stage for a compelling season of cricket where ten teams will vie for the title over the course of 74 matches, culminating in the grand final on May 25, 2025. This year’s tournament maintains a familiar format, with teams split into two groups, engaging in league play before advancing to the playoffs.
As fans look forward to the tournament's intensity, the opening match will kick off with Kolkata Knight Riders looking to defend their title after a successful 2024 season in which they triumphed over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. The excitement for this year is complemented by the fresh potential of all teams after major roster changes during the offseason.
Ganguly also showed his personal support for KKR, mentioning, “As an individual, I will support Kolkata. Last year, they played well. I feel it is a better team than last year.” He also pointed out that the competition in the IPL remains fierce, affirming that the league has indeed transformed Indian cricket.
For those wishing to catch the live action, the IPL 2025 matches will be widely available across platforms. Cricket enthusiasts can enjoy live streaming on the JioCinema app and website, while the Star Sports Network will provide live telecasts in India. So, viewers can prepare for this tightly packed schedule of matches filled with thrilling encounters and unforgettable moments.
As the league progresses, fans will see various teams battling it out, with KKR, RCB, and others aiming to claim the ultimate title. The IPL has consistently showcased some of the finest talents, as reflected in the previous season's performance when Virat Kohli from RCB won the Orange Cap with an impressive haul of 741 runs while Harshal Patel from Punjab Kings secured the Purple Cap after taking 24 wickets.
This year's contest will undoubtedly spotlight players who will not only compete for individual accolades but also contribute towards their teams in the quest for glory. The IPL continues to capture the imagination of millions, blending thrilling cricket with entertainment.
The anticipation around IPL 2025 is building as fans get ready for the opening ceremony—an event that promises a blend of cricket and entertainment worthy of the league's rich legacy. Everyone is hoping this season will live up to expectations as the countdown to 6 PM IST on March 22 continues.
With the stage set and the players ready, the IPL 2025 season is primed to offer unforgettable moments, amazing performances, and the enthusiasm of spirited fans, making this year's tournament truly one to watch!
